World War I - Notes I "Seeds of War"

What was the result of the Congress of Vienna?

It maintained a relative peace in Europe that lasted almost 100 years

What was the general belief regarding war, prior to WW1?

Many believed that a major war would never occur again; they had “outgrown” war

Four “MAIN” characteristics that began to grow apparent throughout European nations

Militarism, alliances, imperialism, nationalism

Nationalism

Pride in one’s nation. Divided many nations that had a diverse ethnic make-up. Created many tensions between European nations, people were willing to sacrifice anything for their homeland, people would fight for vague objectives

Imperialism

European nations attempted to create overseas empires. Motivated European nations to compare for colonial possessions.

How did imperialism work?

European economic, military, and political power forced colonized countries to trade on European terms. Industrially produced goods flooded colonial markets and displaced their traditional industries

Forms of imperialism

Colonies, protectorates, independent areas, spheres of influence

Colonies

Form of imperialism in which a nation is controlled by another

Protectorates

Form of imperialism in which a nation is protected by another

Independent area

Form of imperialism in which a nation is independent, but usually under the protection of another

Spheres of influence

Form of imperialism in which an area is under the influence of another, or recieves“advice” from another nation

How was imperialism characterized in Africa and Asia?

European domination, conflicts carried to the colonies, Christian missionary efforts

• Spheres of Influence in China,

• Suez canal controlled by Great Britain,

• East India Company’s (GB) domination of Indian states,

• America’s opening of Japan to trade

Responses of colonized people

China - armed conflicts/events leading to the Boxer Rebellion

Rise of nationalism (ex. first Indian nationalist party founded in the mid-1800s)

What was the conflict over Morocco?

France and Germany both wanted control over it, Germany asked for a conference on the issue, GB acted as a mediator

Result of Moroccan conflict

Morocco would stay independent but have French influence.

Militarism

A nation’s belief that they need a strong military presence to back up their imperialistic goals.

• Militaries began having political influence over many nations

Which nation held the most evident example of militarism?

Germany

• Had the most powerful weapons and the best military in Europe

• Created a very strong navy in the 1890s (as an attempt to outdo GB)

Instance of an “Arms Race” in 1890s-1900s

• GB attempted to match Germany’s naval buildup

• France began to develop a strong military

• Russia began to increase the size of its military

Why did European nations begin creating alliances?

To protect themselves

In 1879, what did Bismarck (Germany) create and why?

The Dual Alliance (a pact between Germany and Austria-Hungary) in order to protect themselves from being stuck between France and Russia.

Triple Alliance

Italy (1882), Germany, Austria-Hungry

In 1894, who did France ally with?

Russia. They both agreed to help each other if either nations were attacked by the Triple Alliance.

Entente

Agreement of nations to end hostilities against each other

In 1904, who did France form an entente with?

Great Britain

In 1907, which two nations signed an entente?

Great Britain and Russia

By 1907, what alliance was created consisting of Great Britain, France, and Russia to counterbalance the Triple Alliance?

The Triple Entente